By Joshua DavisSouthampton (Old) Bowling Green

The first fixture in the run-up to the new outside season saw the Old Green travel to Desborough Indoor Bowling club last Saturday, and whilst only a handful of Old Green members play indoor, it is always a highly anticipated fixture! The friendly, yet competitive, atmosphere has always resulted in some fiercely fought games, with the Old Green beating Desborough outdoors last season but usually losing heavily indoors.

The Old Green fielding a strong team, but with a few usually face missing, with the hopes of earning a first indoor victory in quite a number of years. Last time the two teams played indoors was in November, with only one Old Green rink managing to win. The selectors chose to keep the rink the same with the intention of ensuring another win, though unfortunately this time is was not to be.

Graham Long’s rink emerged as early favourites to carry the Old Green to victory as they managed to take an outstanding early lead of around 10 shots by the half-way point. Unfortunately, as is always the case, everything changed after the customary half-time tea and biscuits – and as every bowler will always tell you, the home side always feed the away side too many biscuits! Graham’s rink eventually wound up winning by a narrow margin.

Elsewhere skip for the day, Dave Callaway and his make shift rink of Ralph Frost and two Desborough bowlers, tussled the whole way through the game in what was a tight match until near the end where the Old Green rink managed to pull away and win by 5 shots.

Unfortunately, despite the Old Green’s efforts the team were comprehensively beaten by a superior Desborough team, though a few of the Old Green members will assure you it was due to the match coinciding with St. Patrick’s day rather than their bowling ability.

As always the Old Green had a fantastic day enjoying the hospitality and friendliness of the Desborough crowd, and despite their heavy loss, headed home in high spirits – and looking forward to their chance to play against Desborough outdoors as soon the outdoor season starts.

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